The Bernabéu pays homage to Cristiano with 45,000 masks

The Santiago Bernabéu got right behind their favourite Cristiano Ronaldo tonight, showing him their support with just over a month to go to the Ballon d’Or. Before the start of the game against Galatasaray, the stadium was full of 45,000 Ronaldo masks, given out by supporters clubs. There was also a huge banner in the Fondo Norte, the North End, claiming the Balon d’Or for the Portuguese striker. Cristiano took in the tribute from the stands, as he recovers from the injury he picked up against Almería. It was clear the masks had been printed before the injury, on the reverse the text read: “Put the mask on at the start of the game, in the 7^th minute, the 77^th minute and for any good bits of play from Ronaldo or when he scores a goal”.
There were also numerous banners in support of the ex-Manchester United player, who has scored 67 goals this season. As a comparison Messi has scored 45 and Ribery 19. Voting for the Ballon d’Or closes on Friday this week.